Leaves in the gutter make county streams shudder!

December 13, 2012

It’s that time of year when
leaves are falling fast. In trying to remove leaves from your yard, you may be
tempted to rake, blow, or throw them into the street, a storm drain, or a
drainage ditch. Problems arise when these leaves block the drain or are washed
into nearby waterways, causing localized flooding and negative impacts on the
health of our streams, rivers, and lakes.

The leaves decompose in the
water, reducing the level of oxygen available to aquatic organisms. These
little bugs and fish play an important role in the natural filtration process
of surface water, which is the source of our drinking water.

Composting
helps our rivers and streamsComposting
is the earth's way of naturally recycling old plant material. When mixed with
soil, compost improves soil structure, adds minerals and nutrients, and
improves the soil's ability to retain moisture. Did you know that it also can
help to prevent stormwater pollution? When fallen leaves are left on the
ground, they enter storm drains and end up in our waterways polluting our
rivers and streams.